title: What works? Process evaluation of a school-based fruit and vegetable distribution program in Mississippi.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  During the 2004-2005 school year, the Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Child Nutrition, initiated a pilot program to distribute free fruit and vegetable snacks to students during the school day. This article describes the first-year implementation of the Mississippi Fruit and Vegetable Pilot Program.
  
  
  METHODS
  The process evaluation addressed where, when, and how produce was distributed; what was distributed; challenges and successes; and recommended modifications. Five of the 25 program schools were selected to participate in the evaluation; selection was based on grade levels served and demographic characteristics. Data were collected from program staff (N = 11) and administrators (N = 6) via interviews and logs; student (N = 42) and parent (N = 19) focus groups; student questionnaires (N = 660); and school staff questionnaires (N = 207).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Distributing fresh fruit and vegetable snacks at school was well received by staff and students. Most schools distributed the fresh fruit and vegetable snacks at morning break in classrooms or a central courtyard. Twenty-two types of fresh fruit, 4 types of dried fruit, and 7 types of vegetables were served to students during the program year. Commonly distributed fruit included apples, oranges, pears, bananas, and tangerines. Carrots were the staple vegetable, followed by celery. Key challenges included getting students to try new foods and receiving the produce in a timely manner without spoiling. Main successes included seeing students try new fruit and vegetable snacks, having the program run smoothly, and teacher support.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The program fit well within the school structure and could be an effective component of a multifaceted approach to enhancing child nutrition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Research, ETR Associates, 4 Carbonero Way, Scotts Valley, CA 95066, USA. suep@etr.org
authors.forename: Susan C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Potter
authors.forename: Doris
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Schneider
authors.forename: Karin K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Coyle
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: May
authors.forename: Leah
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Robin
authors.forename: Jenna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Seymour
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D005178:Faculty; D005260:Female; D005522:Food Services; D005523:Food Supply / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005638:Fruit; D014943:Global Health; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008922:Mississippi; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012574:Schools; D045730:Soy Foods; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires